As you may or may not know, I am a former Navy Seaman. I was designated a "UFTG" which is an "Underwater Fire Control Technician". I was to be responsible for the toropedoe's and the three-inch launcher.
I made it through nine months of my training before I gave up and left the military on a technicality. It didn't suit me. I have the type of personality that makes me a "free thinker", and it makes me less responsive to the type of indoctrinization that our young people subject themselves to every day. I just can't do it...release myself to a higher power that "knows more" than I do. I'm much more of an Elitist than I knew I was then.
I ran. The responsibility was too great for a person who had doubts...to his ability to serve, to his ability to stand firm in the face of adversity, and in his ability to to "not let down" his fellow man. In that, I'm a failure.
Every Veteran's Day...I'd like to consider myself among their number, but I just cannot. They are the one's who stayed the course, and made our America a better place due to their sacrifice.
I'm merely a poseur in the light of these people... I can't compete with true heroism.
I'm sorry America, for being a big pussy when it comes down to defending you. I ran away from my obligations. That's why I'll never refer to myself as a "Veteran" on this site, or any other.
Sure, I was in the military, but a Veteran I ain't. That's reserved for people who've actually done something.
Posted by Johnny - Oh at November 13, 2005 12:45 AM | TrackBackIt doesn't make you a coward. You do your part and they do theirs. Say thank you and they will thank you for what you do. Everybody needs somebody... wait... that was a commercial for something else...
Posted by: Princess Cat at November 13, 2005 06:37 PMRecognizing the limitations held within one's self is not cowardice -- it is wisdom.
A "coward" throws others under the bus in order to escape a situation -- simply changing your mind and your situation is not the same. Period.
So you were in the military for a while and you left. Good! Life if full of experiences! No need to steep in any sort of guilt...
Choosing your own path takes cojones. And one can be honorable and brave in many ways -- a uniform isn't necessarily required.... 'Nuff said.
Posted by: Richmond at November 13, 2005 08:09 PM.. you ain't a coward, man... the Military isn't for everyone...
Posted by: Eric at November 14, 2005 02:03 PMThanks for the reality check guy's. That's one of the examples of the things that I keep in my own head for too long. Nothing like a good drunk on a Saturday evening to get you blogging crap stuff like this.
Posted by: Johnny - Oh at November 14, 2005 09:53 PMYou just got a bad assignment. You would've made a great Nuke, because Nukes are EXPECTED to vigilantly question authority at all times.
Anyway, if you made it past boot camp and go to your first duty station, you're a vet in my book.
It's the basic training no-shows, washouts, and troublemakers that I don't count.
Posted by: Harvey at November 16, 2005 10:51 AMSometimes it takes a bigger person to realize they can't do something than it does to try and do something they can't.
I spent 20 years in the Navy, and told lots of young sailors that maybe getting out was the best option for them. The military isn't for everyone, but hell, at least you tried.
Have a great day.